We Remember Your Instruction

Scripture memorization was a prominent part of my early Bible education. I’m sure I’m not alone—Bible drills, anyone? And what a memory I had back then. I could recite anything from short verses, like “Jesus wept” to whole chapters. I was a whiz at Bible trivia. I could even recite the books of the Bible in canonical order, forward and backward. (Sidenote: Don’t ask me to do that now!) 

Being immersed in the Bible at a young age created a fondness and enthusiasm for Scripture that has developed through the years into a love and deep affection for God’s Word. Somewhere along the way as I matured in my faith journey, I realized that committing Scripture to memory wasn’t about winning prizes or the satisfaction of accurately quoting a lengthy passage. It was more than just recalling a verse to apply to any given situation in my life. It was about getting to know God through His Word. It was about aligning my daily thoughts and actions with His instructions.

LORD, I remember your name in the night, and I obey your instruction. 
—Psalm 119:55 

Remembrance is an intentional and ongoing rhythm. In every season, in every circumstance, we’re called to remember God’s instruction. We remember His Word to continually remind ourselves of who God is and who we are in Him. When we don’t actively and intentionally remember God’s instruction, we risk the danger of forgetting.

In today’s reading, we discover that a whole community had forgotten God’s instruction. This was the God who had brought the nation of Israel through their biggest hurdles and established His law among them. If anyone knew what remembrance looked like, it would be the people of God. Yet here we are at another point in their history where they’ve actively forgotten Him. And that forgetfulness led to disobedience (2Kings 22:13).  

We, too, are prone to forget, to engage in actions that don’t align with God’s Word. But instead of turning us away, God continually calls for us to respond to Him with repentance and return to Him. To love and obey Him. To remember.

I’m glad today’s reading doesn’t just include God’s people’s failure of forgetting. I’m glad we get to discover that the king and the people committed themselves to wholeheartedly following the Lord. I’m glad we get to read about the rededication and renewal that comes with remembering God and His Word. 

But how do we keep His Word? How do we consistently remember Him when forgetting seems to come so easily? We look to God to help us. And He will! Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit “will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you” (John 14:26).

I always want to remember and obey God’s instruction so that, in my remembrance, I’m reminded of the neverending nearness of His presence (v.23).